The current state of the Mavericks is almost unconscionable when considering where the franchise was merely two years ago around this time.
In 2024, a few months after Mark Cuban officially sold majority ownership of the franchise to the Adelson family, Dallas had everything an NBA team could want. The roster boasted an international superstar and future face of the NBA in 25-year-old Luka Dončić, as well as an elite (and incredibly entertaining) running mate in Kyrie Irving. They were coached by the well-regarded Jason Kidd and a series of smart yet bold deadline moves by then-GM Nico Harrison catapulted the team into genuine title contention. After the Mavs unexpectedly ripped through the West playoff bracket that year and earned their first NBA Finals appearance since the glory days of Dirk Nowitzki, few teams around the league figured to have a brighter future.
